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tribution made by the Southgate Division of the British Red Cross
Society, the W.V.S. "Meals on wheels" and other activities, and
the Southgate Social Service Council, together with many other
bodies, not to mention individuals. When all these efforts have
been fully co-ordinated, when our old people can know where to
obtain assistance when gaps have been filled and new amenities
and services provided, we can honestly say that the problem of the
aged is being adequately tackled in Southgate. Need I stress that
the sooner this is done, the more can we rest content.
Laboratory Facilities.
I would again record my appreciation and thanks to the staff
of the Central Public Health Laboratory, both at Colindale and at
Edmonton for their unfailing assistance during the year. Once
again, we did not have to call upon the Laboratory to any great
extent during 1957 owing to the absence of major outbreaks of
infectious disease. It is, however, very satisfactory to remember
that the Public Health Laboratory Service is available to us, and
that any calls we make upon it will be readily and sympathetically
met.
Summary of Work carried out at the Central Public Health
Laboratories for the year :
Positive Negative
Swabs for diphtheria bacilli 1 210
Sputa for tubercle bacilli 1 71
Throat and Nose 503
Faeces 423
Blood 52
Urine 66
Others 126
Mortuary.
The position in regard to the Council Mortuary at the rear
of the Town Hall is still as set out in the Report for 1946, except
that we now have a firm agreement with the Prince of Wales
Hospital to accept Southgate bodies. Up to the present, no
difficulties have arisen.
Scabies and Lice.
I reported fully on this aspect of our work in the Report for
1951. The remarks set out in that Report still apply.
During 1957, three Southgate patients received treatment at
St. John's Hospital.
NATIONAL ASSISTANCE ACT 1948
Section 47—Removal to suitable premises of persons in need
of care and attention.
No action was taken by the Council in 1957 under this Section.
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